Career

Signature Style

DESTINY PLAYED A role in helping Cara Salangsang-Marcelo find her true calling. But she had to do some globe-trotting first to discover what she really wanted to do. A successful designer, Salangsang-Marcelo is also a happy wife and mother. She is the epitome of a fulfilled woman who pursued her passion and found that dreams do come true, if you follow your heart.
        Armed with a degree in Interior Design from the University of the Philippines, Salangsang-Marcelo is the board topnotcher in the Interior Design board exams in 2000 and is now the senior principal designer and manager of Focus Global Inc.’s kitchen division, where she leads a group of designers and represents some of the world’s most premium kitchen brands including Ethan Allen, Sub-Zero, Wolf, SieMatic, Dornbracht, and Miele. She has shown true knack for designing and even won the Sub-Zero and Wolf kitchen design contest in 2005 for the international category, where she competed against more than 1,000 professional kitchen designers from all over the world.
        Today, Salangsang-Marcelo is working with her team on the company’s high-rise building project in Fort Bonifacio and the construction of its Cebu showroom which started last month.
        MOD: How did you decide to pursue Interior Design as a profession?
        Cara Salangsang-Marcelo: My original dream was to become a dentist. I was in pre-dentistry for two years when I decided to join the University of the Philippines (U.P.) Concert Chorus (the official University Choir). I became part of the international touring group and was able to sing and travel all over Europe, the United States, and Asia. It was after seeing all the beautiful architecture and various designs of the world that I decided to change my career path. I didn’t want to look at teeth for the rest of my life. I shifted my course to Interior Design.
        What is a typical work day for you?
        I manage a team of 25 designers. I start my day by reading and answering all my important e-mails. I then get updates on the multiple projects that my team is working on. I usually have one to two meetings per day to discuss important issues and concerns. If need be, I also visit the site or our other showrooms just to check on things.
        Being in a high-stress job must come with challenges. How do you cope?
        There are many things that can go wrong in my line of work. Problems can arise from the wrong design execution by contractors to delays in the arrival of goods and materials, as well as unreasonable clients. I just deal with one problem at a time. I am good at multitasking and stress management so I am able to overcome setbacks and challenges.
        Do you have a signature style when it comes to design?
        I am usually good at finding creative and cost-effective solutions to design challenges. I do more contemporary designs rather than classic. I also like using natural and Filipiniana-inspired materials in my work. Quality is also important to me, so I am also detail-oriented to make sure that my designs are executed correctly. That being said, though I want to design for my client, I am also particular about letting my client’s style show in the finished product.  
        How do you stay on top of the changes or improvements in design?
        Design is constantly evolving so it is important to make an effort to be updated and be aware of what is out there. I go to trade fairs both here and abroad. I also go for product training in the U.S. and Europe for the home furnishing brands that I manage.
I deal closely with top designers and architects in the Philippines so I learn a great deal from them as well.
       On a more personal note, how are you able to apply your design know-how to your own home?
        My style at home has evolved as I mature in design. When I was newly married and living in a condo, I loved playing with colors – being trendy and using more casual furniture and accessories. But as I became exposed to more design concepts, new and matured design style just naturally flowed and showed up in the house which my husband and I built from the ground up. My house now  still looks casual but also more into timeless design and good quality pieces. It’s a mixture of white, wood, natural materials, and high-tech gadgets. It’s also family-friendly which is important for me since I have two young boys and another little one on the way.
        Tell us about the things you like to do to relax.
        Spending quality time with my family is a form of relaxation for me. We do a lot of sports activities together like swimming, badminton, biking, and going to the gym. I also love pampering myself by having weekly massages. My husband is an excellent cook so we always have wonderful dinners at home. Wine and dine nights with friends are also important.
        What are your other interests?
        I love traveling. It is my second passion. I caught the bug from my U.P. Concert Chorus days and I have not stopped. I love going to historical and exotic places all over the world. It enriches my soul and opens my design eye.
- Maria Zarah Gregorio Viado